Retractable vehicle step

ABSTRACT

A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a stepping assist for vehicles. Inparticular, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a retractablevehicle step which is moveable between a retracted or storage positionand an extended position in which it functions as a step assist tofacilitate access to a tailgate or cargo area of a vehicle such as atruck. In some embodiments, the stepping assist allows access to a cargobed while advantageously providing tailgate clearance.

Description of the Related Art

Many vehicles such as trucks provide a fixed position stepping assist toallow access to the cargo bed of the truck.

There are also retractable stepping assists which are meant to providetruck cargo bed access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a retractable vehicle stepthat is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehiclestep facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously,the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate ofthe vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in agenerally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a coveredand protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted andextended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that thevehicle step may be readily attachable to the vehicle using alreadyexisting connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigatingthe need for customized retrofitting and minimizing or avoidingundesirable installation cost and time.

Some embodiments provide a retractable vehicle step. The retractablevehicle step generally comprises a stepping member and a biasingmechanism. The stepping member is moveable between a retracted positionand an extended position. The biasing mechanism is operably coupled tothe stepping member. In some embodiments, the biasing member generallycomprises a moveable retaining surface and a cam surface such that inthe retracted position the cam surface contacts the retaining surfaceand urges the stepping member toward the retracted position.Advantageously, the stepping member is substantially laterally displacedby a predetermined distance when transitioning between the retractedposition and the extended position. In some embodiments, the retractablevehicle step is manually operable by the foot or other appendage of auser.

Some embodiments provide a retractable vehicle side step. Theretractable vehicle side step generally comprises a stepping member anda biasing mechanism. The stepping member is moveable between a retractedposition and an extended position. The biasing mechanism is operablycoupled to the stepping member. In some embodiments, the biasing memberurges the stepping member toward the retracted position. In someembodiments, the retractable vehicle step is manually operable by thefoot or other appendage of a user.

In some embodiments, there is disclosed a retractable step assistdesigned to be mounted to a vehicle having a side panel. The step assistdesirably includes a first support arm, a second support arm and a stepmember. The step member desirably includes an upper stepping surfacedefining a support plane, the first support arm and the second supportarm connected to the step member so that the first support arm and thesecond support arm are pivotable with respect to the step member about athird axis and a fourth axis, respectively. The first support arm andthe second support arm allowing the step member to move between aretracted position and a deployed position outward from the retractedposition. In some embodiments, the first support arm and the secondsupport arm are configured to allow the step member to move between aretracted position wherein at least a portion of the step member isabove a lower edge of the vehicle side panel and a deployed positionoutward from the retracted position wherein at least a portion of thestep member extends outward from the vehicle side panel.

In some embodiments, when the step member is in the deployed position,the arms and step member act to self-energize the step assist. In someembodiments, the step assist is not self-energized when in the retractedposition, but may be held in place by a biasing member or cam assembly.

In some embodiments, the step member is angled with respect to thehorizontal when in a retracted position. In some embodiments, the stepmember is angled downward in an outboard direction when the step assistis in a retracted position. In some embodiments, the outboard end of thestepping surface is vertically spaced no more than ½ inch, no more than1 inch, no more than 2 inches, no more than 3 inches, or no more than 4inches below the bottom edge of the side panel when the step assist isin a retracted position. In some embodiments, the top of steppingsurface is vertically spaced no more than ½ inch, no more than 1 inch,no more than 2 inches, no more than 3 inches, or no more than 4 inchesbelow the panel of the vehicle when in a deployed position.

In some embodiments, the arms of the step assist contact each other whenthe step assist is in a deployed position. In some embodiments, abiasing member serves hold the step assist in a retracted position andupon movement of the step assist from the retracted position, thebiasing member helps to deploy the step assist.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of embodiments of the invention have been describedherein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily allsuch advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied orcarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarilyachieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. It ispossible that even all of the specified advantages will not be present.Rather, the scope of the claims is not limited by these advantagesunless expressly so stated.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the inventionwill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention and some ofits features and advantages, certain preferred embodiments andmodifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the detailed description herein having reference to the figuresthat follow, of which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a retractable vehicle step ina retracted or storage state mounted on a vehicle illustrating featuresand advantages in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of the retractable vehicle stepof FIG. 1 in an extended state mounted on a vehicle illustratingfeatures and advantages in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified rear view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG.2 in a retracted state mounted on a vehicle illustrating features andadvantages in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a simplified schematic top view of a retractable vehicle stepin both retracted and extended states showing its clearance featuresrelative to a vehicle on which it is mounted illustrating features andadvantages in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a simplified schematic top view of a retractable vehicle stepin both retracted and extended states showing its clearance featuresrelative to a vehicle on which it is mounted illustrating features andadvantages in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective of a retractable vehicle step in aretracted or storage state illustrating features and advantages inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 4 in aretracted or storage state illustrating features and advantages inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective of the retractable vehicle step ofFIG. 4 in an extended state illustrating features and advantages inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a top view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 5 in anextended state illustrating features and advantages in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified exploded perspective of the retractable vehiclestep of FIG. 4 illustrating features and advantages in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the retractable vehicle step in aretracted or storage state illustrating features and advantages inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the retractable vehicle step in atransition state illustrating features and advantages in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the retractable vehicle step in anextended state illustrating features and advantages in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic view of a powered retractable vehiclestep system illustrating features and advantages in accordance with someother embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a retractable vehiclestep in a retracted position.

FIG. 11A is a top view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 11 in anextended position.

FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a retractable vehicle step mounted to avehicle in a retracted position.

FIG. 14 is the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 13 mounted on a vehiclein an extended position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG.13.

FIG. 16-FIG. 16d are side views of the retractable vehicle step of FIG.13 shown moving from a retracted position to an extended position.

FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of the retractable vehicle step ofFIG. 13 shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the retractable vehicle step ofFIG. 13 shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the retractablevehicle step of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retractablevehicle step mounted to a vehicle in a retracted position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the retractable vehicle step of FIG. 20mounted on a vehicle in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein relategenerally to a stepping assist for vehicles and, in particular, to aretractable vehicle step which is desirably moveable between a retractedor storage position and an extended position in which it functions as astep assist to facilitate access to a cargo bed of a vehicle such as atruck while advantageously providing tailgate clearance.

While the description sets forth various embodiment specific details, itwill be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and shouldnot be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore,various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto, whichmay occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed bythe general concepts described herein.

FIGS. 1-3 show different views and positions of certain embodiments of aretractable vehicle step or tailgate step assembly 20 mounted on orattached to a vehicle or truck 10. As discussed further herein, oneadvantage of certain embodiments of the retractable vehicle step 20 isthat it desirably provides tailgate clearance.

The vehicle 10 comprises a generally rear portion or end 11 at whichlocation the retractable vehicle step 20 is positioned. For convenienceand reference, the schematic drawing of FIG. 3A shows a top view of thevehicle 10 as having a lateral axis 12, a longitudinal or long axis 13and a generally vertical axis 14. These axes can be considered to berespective X-, Y- and Z-axes of a three dimensional Cartesian coordinatesystem.

The vehicle rear portion 11 includes a tailgate 15 and a bumper 16. Asdiscussed in more detail later herein, the retractable vehicle step 20is attached to a rear underbody, chassis or frame 18 of the vehicle 10using, in certain embodiments, already existing connection members(e.g., trailer hitch bolts 19 a, 19 b or the like) on the vehicle 10.The retractable vehicle step 20 comprises, among other components asdiscussed in further detail below, a stepping member 22.

FIG. 1 shows the retractable vehicle step 20 in a retracted or storageposition or state generally denoted by “R.” In the retracted position,the stepping member 22 is generally positioned below and within theprojection of the horizontal perimeter of the bumper 16.

FIG. 2 shows the retractable vehicle step 20 in an extended oroperational position or state generally denoted by “E.” In transitioningfrom the retracted position to the extended position, the steppingmember 22 exits the rear portion 11 of the vehicle 10 from below thebumper 16 and advantageously provides a stepping assist, with tailgateand/or bumper clearance, for a user to access the cargo bed of thevehicle 10. During this motion of the stepping member 22, in certainembodiments, it is displaced laterally, longitudinally and vertically.

FIG. 3 shows the retractable vehicle step 20 in a retracted position R.In some embodiments, in the retraced position R, the vehicle step 20 isgenerally positioned below the tailgate 15 of the vehicle 10.

FIG. 3A shows the lateral and longitudinal displacements of the steppingmember 22 when transitioning between the retracted and extendedpositions as d_(lateral) and d_(longitudinal). Stated differently, thestepping member 22 extends in an angular manner from the retractedposition to the extended position. In other words, the desirable andpredetermined lateral displacement advantageously creates an increasedeffective step width which provides clearance from the tailgate 15(and/or bumper 16) even when the tailgate 15 is in the open position (asshown schematically in FIG. 3) and allows convenient use. FIG. 3B alsoshows a stepping member 22 transitioning between the retracted andextended positions. In this illustrated embodiment, in the retractedposition the outer edge of the stepping member 22 is positioned closerto the side of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the lateral movementd_(lateral) of the stepping member 22 as it transitions between theretracted and extended positions is small than the lateral movementd_(lateral) of the stepping member 22 shown in FIG. 3A that ispositioned further towards the midline of the vehicle 10 when in theretracted position.

In some embodiments, the lateral displacement (d_(lateral)) is about 6.4cm (2.5 inches). In another embodiment, the lateral displacement(d_(lateral)) is in the range from about 5.1 cm (2 inches) to about 7.6cm (3 inches), including all values and sub-ranges therebetween. In yetanother embodiment, the lateral displacement (d_(lateral)) is in therange from about 2.5 cm (1 inch) to about 12.7 cm (5 inches), includingall values and sub-ranges therebetween. In another embodiment, thelateral displacement d_(lateral) may be at least 2 inches, at least 2.5inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, or at least 4 inches. Inmodified embodiments, the lateral displacement may efficaciously be moreor less, as needed or desired.

As shown in FIG. 4, and discussed further below, in certain embodimentsthe retractable vehicle step 20 includes an upper end 41, a lower end43, a front end 45, and a back end 47. The upper end 41 of theretractable vehicle step 20 may be configured to readily be attachableto the vehicle 10 using industry standard trailer hitch bolts 19 a, 19 bwhich are provided on virtually all trucks and the like bymanufacturers. Advantageously, this permits the retractable vehicle step20 of certain embodiments to be mountable to a vehicle using alreadyexisting connection members without the undesirable need for extracomponents or custom installation. However, in modified embodiments, theretractable vehicle step 20 may be constructed to permit custominstallation, as needed or desired to various parts of the vehicle 10,for example the frame 18 or bumper 16. For example, a plurality ofdesigns may be provided with each suitable for a particular vehicletype.

The retractable vehicle step 20, in certain embodiments, generallycomprises a upper mount 24, a biasing member or spring 26, a moveableplunger or piston 28, a medial inner or first arm 30, a medial outer orsecond arm 32, a lower mount 34, and the stepping member 22 at a lower,front-most position. A plurality of clevis pins, pivot pins, screws orthe like, as described further below, connect the various components ofthe retractable vehicle step to form an assembly.

In certain embodiments, the upper mount 24 is angular or generallyL-shaped with a substantially hollow interior or channel which desirablyprovides for a light weight device while maintaining structuralintegrity. The upper mount 24 is desirably rigidly mountable to thevehicle 10 and comprises a back portion or end 36 which includes a pairof spaced through holes or passages 38 a, 38 b. In certain embodiments,the through holes or passages 38 a, 38 b are desirably configured anddimensioned to receive connection members or elements, such as thealready existing respective vehicular trailer hitch bolts 19 a, 19 b(see FIG. 3A), to facilitate connection or attachment to the vehicle 10without the undesirable need for extra components or custominstallation. The through holes 38 a, 38 b can include two portions withdifferent diameters to accommodate the bolts heads and their shanks, asneeded or desired.

Referring to FIG. 6, the upper mount 24 further comprises a frontportion or end 40 which includes a socket or opening 42 that receives atleast a portion of the spring 26 and plunger 28. The front portion 40comprises a first pair of front aligned mount holes 44 a, 44 b which arealso generally aligned with and below the socket 42. The holes 44 a, 44b receive a clevis pin, pivot pin, or axle 46 or the like to pivotallycouple or connect the upper mount 24 to the medial outer arm 32.

The front portion 40 further comprises a second pair of front alignedmount holes 48 a, 48 b offset further toward the front of upper mount 24from the first pair of aligned holes 44 a, 44 b. The holes 48 a, 48 breceive a clevis pin, axle or pivot pin 50 or the like to pivotallycouple or connect the upper mount 24 to the medial inner arm 30.

The upper mount 24 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, the upper mount 24comprises a fiber reinforced composite material such as a carbon fiberreinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, for example, a polymer matrixor resin. In modified embodiments, the upper mount 24 can comprise othersuitable composites, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics,among others, with efficacy, as needed or desired.

In certain embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 5 and in greaterdetail in FIG. 6, the biasing member 26, which is part of an internalbiasing mechanism or system 119 to provide for controlled energy storageand release, comprises an internal spring. The spring 26, in certainembodiments, is a compression spring with an upper or top portion or end52 which is received within the socket 42 and a lower or bottom portionor end 54 which is received within the plunger 28. Advantageously, thecompression spring 26 provides a compact component which is durable anddesirably has a high fatigue life. In modified embodiments, the biasingspring 26 can comprise other resilient energy storage and release meanssuch as an arched or leaf spring or a V-shaped or angled spring withefficacy, as needed or desired.

Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the internal biasing spring 26is covered and/or protected (i.e., not exposed to the ambientenvironment) by the socket 42 and the plunger 28. This desirablyprevents or mitigates breakage, failure, malfunction and/or fouling ofthe internal biasing spring 26, especially when the vehicle 10 isoperated in rough terrains such as during off road operation, andprovides a durable and long-lasting vehicle step 20.

The biasing spring 26 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, the spring 26 comprises ametal or alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum. In modifiedembodiments, the spring 26 can comprise other suitable metals, alloys,composites, plastics, thermoplastics, ceramics, among others, withefficacy, as needed or desired.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, the plunger orpiston 28 is moveable in a direction generally aligned with or parallelto the vertical axis 14 to provide an internal biasing mechanism that,along with the spring 26, controls the retraction and extension of thevehicle step 20. The upper portion 52 of the spring 26 extends into thesocket 42. An opening or cavity 58 of the plunger receives the spring 26with the lower spring end 54 in contact with a surface 60 of the plungercavity 58. The spring 26 extends out of the open upper end 56 of theplunger 28.

The plunger or piston 28 comprises a lower or bottom surface 62 whichforms a retaining or bearing surface that, as described in furtherdetail below, desirably engages a specially contoured cam portion orsurface 82 of the medial outer arm 32. Advantageously, in certainembodiments, the combination of the plunger retaining surface 62, thespring 26 and the contoured cam portion or surface 82 of the medialouter arm 32 provides an internal and protected biasing mechanism orsystem that urges the vehicle step 20 towards the retracted and extendedpositions while facilitating transition between the retracted andextended positions. Moreover, as noted above and discussed furtherbelow, these embodiments of the internal biasing mechanism prevent ormitigate breakage, fracture, malfunction, and/or fouling, especially inoff road terrains and the like.

The plunger 28 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/or lightweight material. In certain embodiments, the plunger 28 comprises ametal or alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum. In modifiedembodiments, the plunger 28 can comprise other suitable metals, alloys,composites, plastics, thermoplastics, ceramics, among others, withefficacy, as needed or desired.

The medial inner first arm 30 is pivotally coupled or connected to andpositioned between the upper mount 24 and the lower mount 34. The medialinner arm 30 comprises an upper or top through hole or passage 64aligned with the second pair of upper aligned mount holes 48 a, 48 bwhich receive the clevis pin, axle, or pivot pin 50 or the like. Themedial inner arm 30 further comprises a lower or bottom through hole orpassage 66 aligned with a second pair of lower aligned mount holes 84 a,84 b which receive a clevis pin, axle or pivot pin 68 or the like topivotally couple or connect the medial inner arm 30 and the lower mount34.

In certain embodiments, the medial inner first arm 30 comprises a slotor through hole 70. This is advantageously configured to reduce deviceweight while maintaining structural integrity and overall strength.

The medial inner first arm 30, in certain embodiments, further comprisesa mechanical stop, protrusion, lip or extension 72 proximate the passage66. The mechanical stop 72 advantageously controls the maximum extension(generally position “E”) by contacting or abutting the medial outer arm32. In certain embodiments, the final retraction (generally position“R”) is controlled when the inner surfaces of both medial arms 30, 32contact or abut at the step retracted position to stop furtherretraction.

The medial inner arm 30 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, the medial inner arm 30comprises a fiber reinforced composite material such as a carbon fiberreinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, for example, a polymer matrixor resin. In modified embodiments, the medial arm 30 can comprise othersuitable composites, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics,among others, with efficacy, as needed or desired.

The medial outer second arm 32 is pivotally coupled or connected to andpositioned between the upper mount 24 and the lower mount 34. The medialouter arm 32 comprises an upper or top through hole or passage 74aligned with the first pair of upper aligned mount holes 44 a, 44 bwhich receive the clevis pin, pivot pin or axle 46 or the like. Themedial outer arm 32 further comprises a lower or bottom through hole orpassage 76 aligned with a first pair of lower aligned mount holes 86 a,86 b which receive a clevis pin, axle or pivot pin 78 or the like topivotally couple or connect the medial outer arm 32 and the lower mount34.

In certain embodiments, the medial outer second arm 32 comprises a slotor through hole 80. This is advantageously configured to reduce deviceweight while maintaining structural integrity and overall strength.

The medial outer arm 32, in certain embodiments, comprises a speciallycontoured cam portion or surface 82 adjacent the passage 74. Asdiscussed in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 6-9, the camportion or surface 82 desirably abuts the plunger retaining surface 62and desirably provides a biasing force to the stepping member 22 in theretracted and extended positions and facilitates transition between theretracted and extended positions.

The medial outer arm 32 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, the medial outer arm 32comprises a fiber reinforced composite material such as a carbon fiberreinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, for example, a polymer matrixor resin. In modified embodiments, the medial arm 32 can comprise othersuitable composites, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics,among others, with efficacy, as needed or desired.

In certain embodiments, the lower mount 34 is angular or generallyL-shaped. The lower mount 34 generally comprises a front portion or end35 and a back portion or end 37 and is positioned between the medialarms 30, 32 and the stepping member 22. The front portion 35 of thelower mount 34 is pivotally coupled or connected to the medial arms 30,32 and the back portion 37 of the lower mount 34 is substantiallyrigidly coupled or connected to the stepping member 22.

The lower mount 34 comprises a second pair of top or upper spaced andaligned holes 84 a, 84 b which are aligned with the lower passage 66 ofthe inner arm 30 and receive the clevis or pivot pin 68 to pivotallycouple or connect the lower mount 34 and the inner arm 30. The lowermount 34 further comprises a first pair of top or upper spaced andaligned holes 86 a, 86 b which are displaced toward the front relativeto the holes 84 a, 84 b. The holes 86 a, 86 b are aligned with the lowerpassage 76 of the outer arm 32 and receive the clevis or pivot pin 78 topivotally couple or connect the lower mount 34 and the outer arm 32.Clearance space 88 is desirably provided to receive lower portions ofthe inner and outer arms 30, 32.

In certain embodiments, the lower mount 34 comprises one or more slotsor through holes 90 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). These are advantageouslyconfigured to reduce device weight while maintaining structuralintegrity and overall strength.

The lower mount 34, in certain embodiments, proximate its distal endcomprises a slot 92 generally aligned with a pair of passages or throughholes 94 a, 94 b. As discussed below, the slot 92 is configured tofacilitate connection to the stepping member 22. Screws 96 a, 96 b orthe like extend through respective holes 94 a, 94 b to desirably rigidlyconnect the distal mount 34 and the stepping member 22.

As shown for example in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the front end 35 ofthe lower mount 34 further includes an angled portion 39. In someembodiments, the lateral displacement d_(lateral) of the stepping member22 as it moves from the retracted position R to the extended position Emay be accomplished by attaching the vehicle step 20 to the vehicle 10at an angle to the longitudinal axis 13 of the vehicle 10. The angle ofattachment may be changed to conveniently increase or decrease theamount of lateral displacement d_(lateral). Angled portion 39 of thelower mount 34 may be provided such that the outermost edge of steppingmember 22 extends substantially parallel to the bumper 16 of the vehicle10 in the extended position E. In the illustrated embodiment, thestepping member extends to the left of the tailgate 15 (see, e.g., FIG.3) in the extend position E. In some embodiments, the vehicle step 20may be configured such that it extends to the right of the tailgate 15.The angled portion 39 may be appropriately configured to position theouter edge of the stepping member 22 in a substantially parallelarrangement to the bumper 16. Alternatively, the angled portion 39 maybe configured such that the outer edge of the stepping member 22 extendssubstantially perpendicular to the bumper 16 to, for example, facilitateentrance into or exit from the cargo bed via the side of the tailgate 15when it is open. In some embodiments, the vehicle step 20 is arranged onthe vehicle 10 such that the outer edge of the stepping member 22 isangled with respect to the lateral axis 12 of the vehicle 10 to the samedegree in both the retracted and extended position. In some embodiments,this angle is between approximately 0 and 10, 0 and 20, or 0 and 45degrees from the lateral axis 12.

The lower mount 34 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, the lower mount 34comprises a fiber reinforced composite material such as a carbon fiberreinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, for example, a polymer matrixor resin. In modified embodiments, the lower mount 34 can comprise othersuitable composites, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics,among others, with efficacy, as needed or desired.

The stepping member or T-nut step extrusion 22 desirably comprises astepping deck 98. In certain embodiments, the stepping deck 98 comprisesa ridged surface with ridges and valleys to provide stepping traction.In modified embodiments, the stepping deck 98 can efficaciously compriseother ridged or textured surfaces such corrugated, grooved, ribbed,dimpled, and the like, among others, as needed or desired. Varioussurface coatings, finishes or the like may be used with efficacy toprovide enhanced traction, as needed or desired.

In certain embodiments, the stepping member 22 is substantially hollowto desirably provide a light weight component while maintainingstructural integrity. In some embodiments, the stepping member 22 has agenerally V-shaped configuration and comprises one or more support ribs102 or the like.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments one or moresides of the stepping member 22 are covered with a side cap 104 or thelike for user protection. The side cap 104 can comprise any one ofsuitable materials such as, but not limited, to a generally rigidplastic or the like.

The stepping member 22 is configured to connect to the lower mount 34.In certain embodiments, the stepping member 22 comprises a slot 106adjacent the lower mount 34 which is configured to receive a T-nut 108or the like. The screws 96 a, 96 b engage the T-nut 108 to substantiallyrigidly connect or couple the stepping member 22 and the lower mount 34.

The stepping member 22 desirably comprises a structurally strong and/orlight weight material. In certain embodiments, stepping member 22comprises a metal or alloy such as aluminum or steel. In modifiedembodiments, the stepping member 22 can comprise other suitable metals,alloys, composites, plastics, thermoplastics, ceramics, among others,with efficacy, as needed or desired.

In some embodiments, the stepping member 22 (and/or the stepping deck98) has a width (as measured generally along the direction of thelateral axis 12) of about 30.5 cm (12 inches) and a length (as measuredgenerally along the direction of the longitudinal axis 13) of about 15.2cm (6 inches). In modified embodiments, the stepping member 22 (and/orthe stepping deck 98) may be dimensioned in other manners with efficacy,as needed or desired. For example, the stepping member 22 may have awidth of at least 4 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 8 inches, or atleast 10 inches. Similarly, the stepping member 22 may have a depth (asmeasured generally along the direction of the vertical axis 14) of atleast 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches,or at least 6 inches.

The pins 46, 50, 68, 78, screws 96 a, 96 b and the T-nut 108 desirablycomprise a structurally strong and/or light weight materials. In certainembodiments, a metal or alloy such as aluminum or steel is utilized. Inmodified embodiments, other suitable metals, alloys, composites,plastics, thermoplastics, ceramics, among others, can be utilized withefficacy, as needed or desired.

The retractable vehicle step, in accordance with embodiments of theinvention, and its various components can be fabricated or created usinga wide variety of manufacturing methods, techniques and procedures.These include, but are not limited to, casting, molding, machining,laser processing, milling, stamping, laminating, bonding, welding,adhesively fixing, and the like, among others.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate certain embodiments of the operation of a biasingor urging mechanism 119 generally including the compression spring 26,the plunger 28 and the contoured cam portion 82 of the outer arm 32.FIG. 7 depicts the step retracted position or state “R,” FIG. 8 depictsa step transition position or state “T,” and FIG. 9 depicts the stepextended position or state “E.” The step transition position or state“T” is a position as the step member 22 transitions between theretracted and extended positions.

The outer arm contoured cam portion 82 comprises a first cam surface orportion 121, a second cam surface or portion 123, and an intermediatecam surface or portion 125. An axis of rotation or rotation or pivotaxis 127 is generally defined by the pin or axle 46.

Referring in particular to FIG. 7, in the step retracted position, themoveable plunger retaining surface 62 abuts or contacts the moveablefirst cam surface 121 and these two surfaces are in substantially flushengagement. In the step retracted position, the plunger 28 has agenerally maximum extension out of the socket 42 and the spring 26 has agenerally maximum tension force to provide a biasing or urging forcetowards the rotation axis 127. In other words, the retaining surface 62is biased towards the rotation axis 127 to maintain the vehicle step 20(and/or the stepping member 22 and/or the stepping deck 98) in theretracted position, but desirably without locking out the step in theretracted position.

Referring in particular to FIG. 8, in the step transition position orstage, the moveable plunger retaining surface 62 abuts or contacts themoveable intermediate surface 125 and these two surfaces are insubstantially flush engagement. In the step transition position, theplunger 28 has a generally minimum extension out of the socket 42 andthe spring 26 has a generally minimum tension (or maximum compression)force. In other words, though the retaining surface 62 is biased in thedirection of the rotation axis 127, the spring compression forcefacilitates in the transition between the retracted and extendedpositions.

Referring in particular to FIG. 9, in the step extended position, themoveable plunger retaining surface 62 abuts or contacts the moveablesecond cam surface 123 and these two surfaces are not in substantiallyflush engagement. In the step extended position, the plunger 28 has agenerally intermediate extension out of the socket 42 and the spring 26has a generally intermediate tension force to provide a biasing orurging force towards the rotation axis 127. In other words, theretaining surface 62 is biased towards the rotation axis 127 to maintainthe vehicle step 20 (and/or the stepping member 22 and/or the steppingdeck 98) in the extended position, but desirably without locking out thestep in the extended position.

Stated differently, the tensioned spring 26 provides an urging orbiasing force in the retracted and extended positions to maintain thevehicle step 20 (and/or the stepping member 22 and/or the stepping deck98) in the respective retracted and extended positions, while in thetransition position the compressed spring 26 facilitates in thetransition between the retracted and extended positions.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the final retraction (“R”) iscontrolled when the inner surfaces of both medial arms 30, 32 contact orabut at the step retracted position to stop further retraction. Also asnoted above, the medial inner arm stop 66 advantageously, in certainembodiments, controls the maximum extension (“E”) by contacting orabutting the medial outer arm 32.

FIG. 10 schematically shows a powered retractable vehicle step system100 in accordance with some embodiments. The system 100 comprises aretractable vehicle step 20′ which is substantially the same asembodiments of the vehicle step 20 except that it has a biasing memberthat comprises an electronically operable gas spring 26′.

In certain embodiments, when the vehicle 10 is turned on by its ignition131, the ignition 131 actuates a solenoid actuator, motor or device 133to retract the vehicle step 20′ by operation of the gas spring 26′. Thisis convenient, for example, if the user forgets to retract the vehiclestep 20′ after use, the ignition 131 automatically retracts the vehiclestep 20′, thereby desirably protecting it from potential damage.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 another embodiment of a retractablevehicle step is illustrated. The retractable vehicle step 300 isconfigured to be mounted to a vehicle (not shown). The retractablevehicle step 300 is further configured to have a first position and asecond position. The first position comprises the vehicle step 300 in aretracted position and the second position comprises the vehicle step300 to be in an extended position. In the retracted position, theretractable vehicle step 300 is preferably located in a substantiallyin-board position relative to the rear of a vehicle and, in the extendedposition, the retractable vehicle step 300 is in a substantiallyoutboard position relative to the rear of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step 300 preferablyincludes an upper mount 304, a stepping member 302 and connecting arms306. Furthermore, the retractable vehicle step 300 preferably includes abiasing mechanism 319 including a biasing member 307, which in someembodiments may be substantially similar to the biasing member 26 of theembodiment of the retractable vehicle step 20 shown in FIG. 4.

The upper mount 304 may include one or more additional mounting portions(not shown) to facilitate securing the vehicle step 300 to a vehicle. Inthe particular embodiment of the retractable vehicle step 300 shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the upper mount 304 is preferably a U-shaped mountwhich comprises pivotal connections P1′ and P2′. The pivotal connectionsP1′ and P2′ are preferably configured to pivotally connect the arms 306to the upper mount 304. The upper mount 304 in some embodiments mayfurther include certain electronic or mechanic actuation componentswhich may be configured to actuate the retraction or extension of theretractable vehicle step 300. Such components may be substantiallysimilar to those described above with reference to previous embodimentsof a retractable vehicle step.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the retractable vehiclestep 300 further includes arms 306. The arms 306 further include a firstarm 314 and a second arm 316. The arm 314 is preferably secured bypivotal connection P1′ to the upper mount 304 and is secured to a stepbracket 318 at pivotal mount P3′. The arm 316 is preferably secured tothe upper mount 304 at pivotal mount P2′ and is secured to the stepbracket 318 at pivotal connection P4′. The lengths and mountingpositions of the connecting arms 306 are preferably sized and shaped soas to move the stepping member 302 downwards and outboard when theretractable vehicle step 300 is moved from a retracted position to anextended position.

In some embodiments, it is advantageous to configure the vehicle step300 such that in the retracted position, the stepping surface 322 of thestepping member 302 is at an angle to the horizontal. As shown in FIG.11A, the stepping member 302 need not be symmetrical. In someembodiments, the outer edge corner of the stepping member 302 may berounded or otherwise shaped to minimize the amount of stepping member302 that extends beyond the bumper if the vehicle step 300 is mounted inclose proximity to the outer edge of the bumper of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the outer corner of the stepping member 302 is shaped tocorrespond to the rounded features of the bumper to present anaesthetically pleasing appearance when mounted and in the retractedposition.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the step bracket 318 ispreferably connected to the arms 306 at pivotal mount P4′ and pivotalmount P3′. The step bracket 318 is further configured to receive astepping member 302. The stepping member 302 and the step bracket 318 insome embodiments may be secured to one another by fasteners so as tocreate a connection that may support the weight of a person stepping onthe retractable vehicle step 300. In addition, it may be operated by thefoot or other appendage of a user as described in greater detail below.

Though not shown, when mounted on the rear of a vehicle, it may beadvantageous in some embodiments to mount the vehicle step 300 such thatthe stepping member 302 is displaced laterally a distance d_(lateral) toprovide clearance for, for example, an open tailgate. In someembodiments, this may be accomplished as described above with respect tovehicle step 20. FIG. 11A shows the vehicle step 300 from a top view,illustrating an angle formed between the arms 306 and the steppingmember 302 according to some embodiments. As the stepping member 302moves from the retracted to the extended positions, the angle betweenthe arms 306 and the stepping member 302 preferable remains constant. Insome embodiments, the stepping member 302 is positioned on the vehiclesuch that the outer edge of the stepping member 302 is substantiallyparallel to the bumper of the vehicle in both the retracted and extendedpositions. As described above with respect to the other embodiments, thestepping member 302 may alternatively be at an angle to the bumper ofthe vehicle.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step is advantageouslyconfigured to permit manually operated retraction and extension. Manualoperation may minimize the expense of manufacture and/or installation.In some embodiments, the retractable step is particularly configured tobe moved between its retracted and extended positions by foot operationof a user. Advantageously, the vehicle step includes a mechanism tofacilitate this operation. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.11 and 12, the vehicle step 300 includes biasing member 307, for examplea spring. In the retracted position, shown in FIG. 11, biasing member307 biases the stepping member 302 in the retracted position. Thebiasing member 307 compresses as the stepping member 302 is pulledoutwards toward the extended position, thereby providing resistance tothe movement outwards. As the stepping member 302 continues to moveoutwards, the biasing member 307 passes its inflection point and beginsto expand rather than compress. The expansion of the biasing member 307assists the continued extension of the stepping member 302. In theextended position, the vehicle step 300 may be self-energized or lockedto prevent accidental retraction when weight is applied to the extendedstep, e.g., when a person steps on the stepping member 302 the vehiclestep does not load in such a way to bias the vehicle step 300 in aretracted position. Described in another way, by stepping on thestepping member 302 the vehicle step will be substantially locked by thearms 306 so as to bias the vehicle step 300 to an open position.Self-energized features may be provided on any of the vehicle stepsdescribed herein.

To return a self-energized step to the retracted position, the steppingmember 302 is partially lifted when in the extended position and pushedtoward the vehicle and into the retracted position. The biasing member307 again resists this movement inwards, for example, by compressing asthe stepping member 302 moves inwards. If the vehicle step 300 is notself-energized, step may be moved toward the retracted position simplyby pushing the step toward the retracted position. The resistance of thebiasing member 307 to this movement helps resist unintended movement ofthe step 300 toward the retracted position when in use.

When the biasing member 307 passes its inflection point, it assists inthe movement inwards and biases the stepping member 302 into theretracted position. In some embodiments, the biasing forces of thebiasing member 307 are advantageously configured to allow the vehiclestep 300 to be retracted and extended by the foot of a user, rather thana hand operated handle or lever or an automated system. In someembodiments, the vehicle step 300 is moved to the extended position by auser who hooks her foot onto the stepping member 302 and pulls itoutwards toward the extended position. In some embodiments, anengagement portion may be provided on the step to facilitate the hookingof the foot. For example, a cavity on the underside of the step may beprovided.

In some embodiments, biasing member or spring 307 engages a lowerportion of upper mount 304 and is held in place at least at the endengaging the upper mount 304. For example, the spring 307 may rest in acavity formed in upper mount 304 such that an upper portion of spring307 is enclosed within the cavity and a lower portion of the spring 307is outside of the cavity. The upper portion of the spring 307 issubstantially prevented from moving along the X and Y directions as thestepping member 302 is moved from the retracted to the extendedpositions. The lower portion of the spring 307 outside of the cavity isnot directly restrained by the cavity and is thereby allowed to movealong the X and Y directions as the stepping member 302 moves from theretracted position to the extended portion. The lower portion of thesprint 302 may engage a spring mount 311 to facilitate attachment to thearms 306 and to permit movement of the lower portion of the spring 307with respect to the upper portion of the spring 307 and the arms 306. Insome embodiments, the cavity encloses the entire spring 307 with anupper-most portion configured to restrain an upper portion of the spring307 from moving while a lower portion of the cavity allows movement of alower portion of the spring 307. In some embodiments, some or all of thespring 307 may be engaged with a cylinder extending downward from alower portion of the upper mount 304. The cylinder may function in asimilar manner as the cavity described above, preventing a portion ofthe spring 307 from moving in the X and Y directions while allowinganother portion to move in those directions as the stepping member 302is moved from the retracted to the extended positions.

With reference to FIGS. 13-19, an embodiment of a retractable vehiclestep is illustrated. The retractable vehicle step 500 is configured tobe mounted to a vehicle such as the truck 450 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.The retractable vehicle step 500 is further configured to have a firstposition and a second position. The first position comprises the vehiclestep 500 in a retracted position and the second position comprises thevehicle step 500 to be in an extended position. In the retractedposition as shown in FIG. 13 the retractable vehicle step 500 ispreferably located in an in-board position relative to the side of thevehicle 450 and, in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 14 theretractable vehicle step 500 is in a substantially outboard positionrelative to the side of vehicle 450.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step 500 can be positionedso that in a retracted position the vehicle step 500 residessubstantially behind a portion of a vehicle body 456. That is theretractable vehicle step 500 is configured to retract behind the vehiclebody 456 when in a retracted position so as to be unobtrusive.

With reference to FIGS. 16-16 d, the retractable vehicle step 500 isillustrated in a retracted position shown in FIG. 16 and an extendedposition shown in FIG. 16d . When the retractable vehicle step 500transitions from a retracted position as shown in FIG. 16 to an extendedposition as shown in FIG. 16d , in some embodiments the stepping member502 of the retractable vehicle step 500 moves such that a portion of thestepping member 502 moves from a lower position to a raised position.Furthermore, the position of the stepping member 502 transfers from asubstantially in-board position to a substantially outboard position asshown from FIG. 16 to FIG. 16d when the retractable vehicle step 500 ismoved from a retracted position to an extended position. In someembodiments, the greater portion of the vehicle step 500 transitionsfrom a raised position to a lower position as the step 500 moves fromthe retracted position to the extended position.

With reference to FIGS. 13-19, an embodiment of a retractable vehiclestep 500 preferably includes an upper mount 504, a stepping member 502and connecting arms 506. Furthermore, the retractable vehicle step 500preferably includes a biasing mechanism 519 which may include a biasingmember 507. In some embodiments, the biasing member 507 assists inproviding for controlled energy storage and release and comprises aninternal spring. The spring 507, in certain embodiments, is acompression spring. Advantageously, the compression spring 507 providesa compact component which is durable and desirably has a high fatiguelife. In modified embodiments, the biasing spring 507 can comprise otherresilient energy storage and release means such as an arched or leafspring or a V-shaped or angled spring with efficacy, as needed ordesired.

The upper mount 504 is configured to preferably include a mountingportion 508 which is configured to secure the vehicle step 500 to avehicle. In the particular embodiment of the retractable vehicle step500 shown in FIGS. 13-19, the upper mount 504 is preferably a U-shapedmount which comprises pivotal connections P1 and P2. The pivotalconnections P1 and P2 are preferably configured to pivotally connect thearms 506 to the upper mount 504. The upper mount 504 further includes abacking member 510 which is configured to include a plurality ofmounting holes 512 which may be sized and shaped to receive fasteners tosecure the upper mount 504 to a vehicle.

In some embodiments, biasing member or spring 507 engages a lowerportion of upper mount 504 and is held in place at least at the endengaging the upper mount 504. For example, the spring 507 may rest in acavity 509 formed in upper mount 504 such that an upper portion ofspring 507 is enclosed within the cavity 509 and a lower portion of thespring 507 is outside of the cavity 509. The upper portion of the spring507 is substantially prevented from moving along the X and Y directionsas the stepping member 502 is moved from the retracted to the extendedpositions. The lower portion of the spring 507 outside of the cavity isnot directly restrained by the cavity 509 and is thereby allowed to movealong the X and Y directions as the stepping member 502 moves from theretracted position to the extended portion. The lower portion of thespring 507 may engage a spring mount 511 to facilitate rotationalattachment to the arms 506 described in greater detail below. Springmount 511 permits the lower portion of the spring 507 to move withrespect to the upper portion of the spring 507 and the arms 506. In someembodiments, the cavity may be configured to enclose the entire spring507 with an upper-most portion of the cavity configured to restrain anupper portion of the spring 507 from moving while a lower portion of thecavity allows movement of a lower portion of the spring 507. In someembodiments, some or all of the spring 507 may be engaged with acylinder extending downward from a lower portion of the upper mount 504.The cylinder may function in a similar manner as the cavity describedabove, preventing a portion of the spring 507 from moving in the X and Ydirections while allowing another portion to move in those directions asthe stepping member 502 is moved from the retracted to the extendedpositions.

Although the embodiment of the retractable vehicle step shown in FIGS.13-19 has been shown with an upper mount 504 which is configured to bemountable to a vehicle, other embodiments of the retractable vehiclestep may mount differently to a vehicle. One such example is that theconnecting arms 506 of the retractable vehicle step 500 may be directlymounted to a vehicle frame member or members so as to eliminate the needfor a separate mounting member 504. Another alternate mounting methodmay include a sub frame to be mounted to a vehicle frame and the uppermount may then mount to the sub frame. One such subframe may include theupper mount 504 to be made of multiple pieces of which one or more ofthe pieces may be configured to be an adapter to mount the upper mountto a variety of various frames of different vehicles.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-19, the retractable vehicle step500 further includes arms 506. The arms 506 further include a first arm514 and a second arm 516. The arm 514 is preferably secured by pivotalconnection P1 to the upper mount 504 and is secured to a step bracket518 at pivotal mount P3. The arm 516 is preferably secured to the uppermount 504 at pivotal mount P2 and is secured to the step bracket 518 atpivotal connection P4. The arms 514 and 516 are preferably configured torotate in a substantially clockwise direction relative to FIGS. 16 and16 d so as to move the stepping member 502 from a retracted position toan extended position. Oppositely, the arms 514 and 516 are configured tomove in a substantially counterclockwise direction relative to FIGS. 16and 16 d when the retractable vehicle step moves form an extended to aretracted position. The lengths and mounting positions of the connectingarms 506 are preferably sized and shaped so as to move the steppingmember 502 upwards and outboard when the retractable vehicle step 500 ismoved from a retracted position to an extended position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-19, the connecting arm 514 mayfurther include two recesses 513 and 515 which are configured to receivebiasing members (not shown). The biasing members (not shown) arepreferably configured to cushion the potential contact between the arms514 and 516 when the vehicle step 500 in retracted or extended position.The biasing member (not shown) to be located in the recess 513 isconfigured to cushion the potential contact between the arms 514 and 516when the vehicle step 500 is in a retracted position and the biasingmember (not shown) to be located in the recess 515 is configured tocushion the potential contact between the arms 514 and 516 when thevehicle step 500 is in an extended position. Furthermore, the biasingmembers may assist the biasing member 507 when the retractable vehiclestep 500 is moved from a retracted position shown in FIG. 16 to anextended position shown in FIG. 16 d.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-19, the step bracket 518 ispreferably connected to the arms 506 at pivotal mount P4 and pivotalmount P3. The step bracket 518 is further configured to receive astepping member 502. The stepping member 502 and the step bracket 518 insome embodiments may be secured to one another by fasteners so as tocreate a connection that may support the weight of a person stepping onthe retractable vehicle step 500. With continued reference to FIGS.13-19 the stepping member 502 in some embodiments is a substantiallyplanar member which is configured to provide sufficient space for aperson to place at least one foot on the stepping member 502. Althoughin FIGS. 13-19 the stepping member 502 is a substantially planar memberwhich may support an entire foot, in some embodiments the retractablevehicle step 500 may include a stepping member 502 which issubstantially smaller such as a foot peg or bar. In the particularembodiment shown in FIGS. 13-19, the stepping member 502 is an extrudedmetallic member with a groove 520 which is configured to facilitatemounting of the stepping member 502 to the step bracket 518. Furthermorethe stepping member 502 in some embodiments may include gripping ridges522 which are configured to provide a substantially slip resistantstepping surface.

With reference to the motion of the retractable vehicle step 500 asshown from FIG. 16 to FIG. 16d , the motion preferably operates asfollows. When in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 16, thestepping member 502 is an elevated position so that the stepping memberis retracted inboard and at least partially above a lower edge 457 ofthe body panel 456. In this position, a biasing mechanism 519 includinga biasing member 507, assists in biasing the stepping member 502 to theretracted position. Furthermore, in the retracted position shown in FIG.16, the stepping member is positioned such that a distal tip 503 ispreferably located below a rearward end 505 of the stepping member 502.One advantage of the retracted position shown in FIG. 16 is that thestepping member 502 is tilted at such an angle that likelihood of debrisbuild up such as rain, dirt, or mud is reduced. That is downward titlingangle of the stepping member 502 assists in reducing debris build up.

In the position shown in FIG. 16a , an actuator (not shown) has movedthe connecting arms 506 in a clockwise direction so the stepping member502 has moved to a lower position relative to the retracted position. Inthis position the biasing member is still biasing the retractablevehicle step to a retracted position and the actuator (not shown) iscontinuing to move the stepping member 502 outboard of the body panel456.

In the position shown in FIG. 16b , the actuator has continued to movethe arms 506 in a clockwise direction and the stepping member 502 is atleast partially outboard of the body panel 456. In the position shown inFIG. 16b , in some embodiments the biasing member 507 has preferablypassed an inflection point, in which the biasing member 507 is typicallyin its maximum position of compression, and the biasing member 507 nowassists the vehicle step 500 towards an extended position.

In the two positions shown in FIG. 16c , the vehicle step 500 is shownin a fully extended position in phantom line and in a position justbefore being fully extended in solid line. In both positions shown inFIG. 16c , the stepping member 502 is substantially outboard of the bodypanel 456 so as to provide access to a user for stepping. Also, in thepositions show in FIG. 16c , in some embodiments the biasing member 507is assisting in placing the vehicle step 500 into an extended position.From the position shown in solid line to the final extended positionshown in phantom line, the stepping member 502 is moved by theconnecting arms 506 in such a way as to move the distal tip 503 of thestepping member 502 downward.

In the position shown in FIG. 16d , the vehicle step 500 is in aself-energized position so that when a person steps on the steppingmember 502 the vehicle step does not load in such a way to bias thevehicle step 500 in a retracted position. That is, by stepping on thestepping member 502 the vehicle step will be substantially locked by thearms 506 so as to bias the vehicle step 500 to an open position.

With returning reference to FIGS. 13-19, the retractable vehicle step500 in some embodiments may be used adjacent to a forward side panel 456of the vehicle 450. The retractable vehicle step 500 is preferablyconfigured to move to an extended position as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG.16a so as to provide a stepping surface for a person to step on to gainan elevational advantage to access an item in the bed 458 of the truck450. That is, the retractable vehicle step 500 is configured to movefrom a lowered position to a heightened position so that a person maystep up and reach into the bed 458 of the truck 450.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-19, when the retractable vehiclestep 500 moves from a retracted position to an extended position thestepping member 502 of the retractable vehicle step 500 is advantageousin that it may allow a person to step onto the stepping member 502 so asto substantially raise one's body to easily access items which mayreside in the cargo bed 458 of the truck 450. Furthermore the extendedposition of the stepping member 502 of the retractable vehicle step 500allows a user to step up and to place oneself in an advantageousposition so as to lift items up and out of the cargo bed 458 of thetruck 450. Although the embodiment of the retractable vehicle step 500shown in FIGS. 13-19 illustrates a retractable vehicle step to bemounted to a forward portion 456 of a vehicle cargo bed 458, theretractable vehicle step 500 may be used in other locations or vehicleapplications which may benefit from providing an elevated steppingposition to a person. Such other mounting configurations of theretractable vehicle step 500 may include the retractable vehicle step500 being mounted on a cargo van so as to provide a substantiallyelevated stepping position for a person to access items on the roof of acargo van. Another example of a suitable application for the retractablevehicle step 500 is to mount the retractable vehicle step 500 to autility truck with an elevated utility rack in which a user may benefitfrom having an elevated stepping position to access items in a raisedutility rack.

With reference to the actuation of the retractable vehicle step 500, anysuitable actuation method may be used. One such suitable actuationmethod may be to couple the actuation of the retractable vehicle step500 to the opening and closing of a vehicle door. In such aconfiguration, the retractable vehicle step may reside in a retractedposition when the vehicle door is closed and may extend to an extendedposition when the vehicle door is opened. Furthermore, another suitableactuation method may include a switch or lever being mounted to theoutside or inside of a vehicle so that a user may actuate a switch whenthe user desires to extend the retractable vehicle step 500. Such alever or actuation switch may be mounted to a body panel of a vehicle inthe passenger space of a vehicle or in the cargo space of a vehicle. Asdescribed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 20 and 21, thevehicle step 500 may be configured to be operated by the foot or otherappendage of a user.

With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 another embodiment of a retractablevehicle step is illustrated. The retractable vehicle step 700 isconfigured to be mounted to a vehicle such as the truck 650 shown inFIGS. 20 and 21. The retractable vehicle step 700 is further configuredto have a first position and a second position. The first positioncomprises the vehicle step 700 in a retracted position and the secondposition comprises the vehicle step 700 to be in an extended position.In the retracted position as shown in FIG. 20, the retractable vehiclestep 700 is preferably located in an in-board position relative to theside of the vehicle 650 and, in the extended position, as shown in FIG.21 the retractable vehicle step 700 is in a substantially outboardposition relative to the side of vehicle 650.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step 700 can be positionedso that in a retracted position the vehicle step 700 residessubstantially behind a portion of a vehicle body 656. That is theretractable vehicle step 700 is configured to retract behind the vehiclebody 656 when in a retracted position so as to be unobtrusive. When theretractable vehicle step 700 transitions from a retracted position asshown in FIG. 20 to an extended position as shown in FIG. 21, in someembodiments the stepping member 702 of the retractable vehicle step 700moves such that the stepping member 702 moves from a lower position to araised position.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step 700 preferablyincludes an upper mount 704, a stepping member 702 and connecting arms706. Furthermore, the retractable vehicle step 700 preferably includes abiasing mechanism 719 including a biasing member 707, which in someembodiments may be substantially similar to the biasing member 507 ofthe embodiment of the retractable vehicle step 500 shown in FIG. 16 anddescribed above.

The upper mount 704 is configured to preferably include a mountingportion 708 which is configured to secure the vehicle step 700 to avehicle. In the particular embodiment of the retractable vehicle step700 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the upper mount 704 is preferably aU-shaped mount which comprises pivotal connections P1′ and P2′. Thepivotal connections P1′ and P2′ are preferably configured to pivotallyconnect the arms 706 to the upper mount 704. In some embodiments, themounting portion 708 includes multiple components to facilitate theattachment of the vehicle step 700 to one or more different vehicles.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the retractable vehiclestep 700 further includes arms 706. The arms 706 further include a firstarm 714 and a second arm 716. The arm 714 is preferably secured bypivotal connection P1′ to the upper mount 704 and is secured to a stepbracket 718 at pivotal mount P3′. The arm 716 is preferably secured tothe upper mount 704 at pivotal mount P2′ and is secured to the stepbracket 718 at pivotal connection P4′. The lengths and mountingpositions of the connecting arms 706 are preferably sized and shaped soas to move the stepping member 702 upwards and outboard when theretractable vehicle step 700 is moved from a retracted position to anextended position.

In some embodiments, it is advantageous to configure the vehicle step700 such that in the retracted position, the stepping surface 722 of thestepping member 702 is at an angle to the horizontal. In the illustratedembodiment, the pivotal mount P1′ is positioned slightly above anddistal relative to the pivotal mount P2′. The positions of the pivotalmounts P1′, P2′ combined with the step bracket 718 including angledportion 719 facilitates positioning the stepping member 722 at an anglewhen in the retracted position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the step bracket 718 ispreferably connected to the arms 706 at pivotal mount P4′ and pivotalmount P3′. The step bracket 718 is further configured to receive astepping member 702. The stepping member 702 and the step bracket 718 insome embodiments may be secured to one another by fasteners so as tocreate a connection that may support the weight of a person stepping onthe retractable vehicle step 700. The stepping member 702 may beconfigured as described above with respect to the stepping member 502 ofFIGS. 13-19. Similarly, the vehicle step 700 may include the featuresdescribed above with respect to the vehicle step 500, for example, thevehicle step 700 may be self-energized or locked when in the extendedposition. In addition, it may be operated by the foot or other appendageof a user as described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the retractable vehicle step is advantageouslyconfigured to permit manually operated retraction and extension. Manualoperation may minimize the expense of manufacture and/or installation.In some embodiments, the retractable step is particularly configured tobe moved between its retracted and extended positions by foot operationof a user. Advantageously, the vehicle step includes a mechanism tofacilitate this operation. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.20 and 21, the vehicle step 700 includes biasing member 707, for examplea spring. In the retracted position, shown in FIG. 20, biasing member707 biases the stepping member 702 in the retracted position. Thebiasing member 707 compresses as the stepping member 702 is pulledoutwards toward the extended position, thereby providing resistance tothe movement outwards. As the stepping member 702 continues to moveoutwards, the biasing member 707 passes its inflection point and beginsto expand rather than compress. The expansion of the biasing member 707assists the continued extension of the stepping member 702. As describedabove with respect to the other embodiments, in the extended position,the vehicle step 700 may be self-energized or locked to preventaccidental retraction when weight is applied to the extended step.

To return a self-energized step to the retracted position, the steppingmember 702 is partially lifted when in the extended position and pushedtoward the vehicle and into the retracted position. The biasing member707 again resists this movement inwards, for example, by compressing asthe stepping member 702 moves inwards. If the vehicle step 700 is notself-energized, step may be moved toward the retracted position simplyby pushing the step toward the retracted position. The resistance of thebiasing member 707 to this movement helps resist unintended movement ofthe step 700 toward the retracted position when in use.

When the biasing member 707 passes its inflection point, it assists inthe movement inwards and biases the stepping member 702 into theretracted position. In some embodiments, the biasing forces of thebiasing member 707 are advantageously configured to allow the vehiclestep 700 to be retracted and extended by the foot of a user, rather thana hand operated handle or lever or an automated system. In someembodiments, the vehicle step 700 is moved to the extended position by auser who hooks her foot onto the stepping member 702 and pulls itoutwards toward the extended position. In some embodiments, anengagement portion may be provided on the step to facilitate the hookingof the foot. For example, a cavity on the underside of the step may beprovided.

In some embodiments, biasing member or spring 707 engages a lowerportion of upper mount 704 and is held in place at least at the endengaging the upper mount 704. For example, the spring 707 may rest in acavity formed in upper mount 704 such that an upper portion of spring707 is enclosed within the cavity and a lower portion of the spring 707is outside of the cavity. The upper portion of the spring 707 issubstantially prevented from moving along the X and Y directions as thestepping member 702 is moved from the retracted to the extendedpositions. The lower portion of the spring 707 outside of the cavity isnot directly restrained by the cavity and is thereby allowed to movealong the X and Y directions as the stepping member 702 moves from theretracted position to the extended portion. The lower portion of thespring 707 may engage a spring mount to facilitate rotational attachmentto the arms as described above with respect to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13-19. In some embodiments, the cavity encloses the entire spring707 with an upper-most portion configured to restrain an upper portionof the spring 707 from moving while a lower portion of the cavity allowsmovement of a lower portion of the spring 707. In some embodiments, someor all of the spring 707 may be engaged with a cylinder extendingdownward from a lower portion of the upper mount 704. The cylinder mayfunction in a similar manner as the cavity described above, preventing aportion of the spring 707 from moving in the X and Y directions whileallowing another portion to move in those directions as the steppingmember 702 is moved from the retracted to the extended positions.

The methods which are described and illustrated herein are not limitedto the sequence of acts described, nor are they necessarily limited tothe practice of all of the acts set forth. Other sequences of acts, orless than all of the acts, or simultaneous occurrence of the acts, maybe utilized in practicing embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that there is disclosed aretractable step or step assist designed to be mounted to a vehicle. Thestep assist desirably includes a first support arm, a second support armand a step member. The step member desirably includes an upper steppingsurface defining a support plane, the first support arm and the secondsupport arm connected to the step member so that the first support armand the second support arm are pivotable with respect to the step memberabout a third axis and a fourth axis, respectively. The first supportarm and the second support arm allow the step member to move between aretracted position and a deployed position outward from the retractedposition.

In some embodiments, when the step member is in the deployed position,the arms and step member act to self-energize the step assist. In someembodiments, the step assist is not self-energized when in the retractedposition, but may be held in place by a biasing member or cam assembly.

In some embodiments, the step member is angled with respect to thehorizontal when in a retracted position. In some embodiments, the stepmember is angled downward in an outboard direction when the step assistis in a retracted position. In some embodiments, the outboard end of thestepping surface may be vertically spaced no more than approximately ½inch, no more than approximately 1 inch, no more than approximately 2inches, no more than approximately 3 inches, or no more thanapproximately 4 inches below the bottom edge of the vehicle bumper/panelwhen the step assist is in a retracted position. In some embodiments,the bottom of the stepping member may be vertically spaced no more thanapproximately ½ inch, no more than approximately 1 inch, no more thanapproximately 2 inches, no more than approximately 3 inches, or no morethan approximately 4 inches below the bumper/panel of the vehicle whenin a retracted position. In some embodiments, the top of the steppingsurface may be vertically spaced at least approximately ½ inch, at leastapproximately 1 inch, at least approximately 2 inches, at leastapproximately 3 inches, or at least approximately 4 inches below thebumper/panel of the vehicle when in a deployed position. In someembodiments, the stepping member will extend no more than approximately12 inches, no more than approximately 8 inches, or no more thanapproximately 6 inches below the bumper/panel. In some embodiments, thearms of the step assist contact each other when the step assist is in adeployed position. In some embodiments, a biasing member serves to holdthe step assist in a retracted position and upon movement of the stepassist from the retracted position, the biasing member helps to deploythe step assist.

Unless otherwise stated, it is to be understood that any range of valuesdisclosed, taught or suggested herein comprises all values andsub-ranges therebetween. For example, a range from 1 to 100 willcomprise all integer and non-integer numerical values between 1 and 100;and all sub-ranges between 1 and 100 including all integer andnon-integer numerical values of the range limits and numberstherebetween.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that a novelapproach for providing and using a retractable vehicle step assist withenhanced clearance features has been disclosed. While the components,techniques and aspects of the invention have been described with acertain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may bemade in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein abovedescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

While a number of preferred embodiments of the invention and variationsthereof have been described in detail, other modifications and methodsof using, and other vehicular, automobile and/or mechanical applicationsfor the same will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly,it should be understood that various applications, modifications, andsubstitutions may be made of equivalents.

Various modifications and applications of the invention may occur tothose who are skilled in the art, without departing from the true spiritor scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention isnot limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes ofexemplification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable vehicle step, comprising: an uppermount configured to be attached to a frame of a vehicle, the vehiclehaving a longitudinal axis extending from front to rear of the vehicleand a lateral axis extending from left to right of the vehicle; a firstarm having a first end pivotally coupled to the upper mount at a firstpivot axis; a second arm having a first end pivotally coupled to theupper mount at a second pivot axis; a lower mount having a proximal endand a distal end, the distal end comprising an angled portion, whereinthe proximal end of the lower mount is pivotally coupled to a second endof the first arm at a third pivot axis and to a second end of the secondarm at a fourth pivot axis; and a stepping member rigidly coupled to theangled portion of the lower mount such that pivoting of the first armand the second arm with respect to the upper mount and the lower mountcan move the stepping member between a retracted position and anextended position, wherein the angled portion of the lower mount and thefirst, second, third, and fourth axes are positioned such that, when theupper mount is attached to the frame of the vehicle: the first, second,third, and fourth axes are angled with respect to the longitudinal andlateral axes of the vehicle, and a rear edge of the stepping member issubstantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle.
 2. Theretractable vehicle step of claim 1, wherein, when the upper mount isattached to the frame of the vehicle with the rear edge of the steppingmember substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle, thestepping member is configured to move along a trajectory that is angledwith respect to the longitudinal and lateral axes of the vehicle whenmoving from the retracted position to the extended position.
 3. Theretractable vehicle step of claim 2, wherein the trajectory includeslateral, longitudinal, and vertical movement.
 4. The retractable vehiclestep of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the lower mount comprises aslot configured to facilitate connection of the stepping member to thelower mount, the slot positioned such that it is substantially parallelto the lateral axis of the vehicle when the upper mount is attached tothe frame of the vehicle.
 5. The retractable vehicle step of claim 1,wherein the upper mount comprises one or more holes for attaching theupper mount to the frame of the vehicle, and wherein the stepping memberis configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the one or moreholes when in the extended position.
 6. The retractable vehicle step ofclaim 1, wherein a shape of the stepping member, viewed from above, isnon-symmetrical.
 7. The retractable vehicle step of claim 6, wherein anoutboard edge of the stepping member is rounded.
 8. The retractablevehicle step of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms cooperate toform a mechanical stop that resists further extension beyond theextended position.
 9. A vehicle, comprising: a frame defining alongitudinal axis extending from front to rear of the vehicle and alateral axis extending from left to right of the vehicle; an upper mountattached to the frame; a first arm having a first end pivotally coupledto the upper mount at a first pivot axis; a second arm having a firstend pivotally coupled to the upper mount at a second pivot axis; a lowermount having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end comprisingan angled portion, wherein the proximal end of the lower mount ispivotally coupled to a second end of the first arm at a third pivot axisand to a second end of the second arm at a fourth pivot axis; and astepping member rigidly coupled to the angled portion of the lower mountsuch that pivoting of the first arm and the second arm with respect tothe upper mount and the lower mount can move the stepping member betweena retracted position and an extended position, wherein the first,second, third, and fourth axes are angled with respect to thelongitudinal and lateral axes of the vehicle, and wherein a rear edge ofthe stepping member is substantially parallel to the lateral axis of thevehicle.
 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the stepping member isconfigured to move along a trajectory that is angled with respect to thelongitudinal and lateral axes of the vehicle when moving from theretracted position to the extended position.
 11. The vehicle of claim10, wherein the trajectory includes lateral, longitudinal, and verticalmovement.
 12. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the distal end of thelower mount comprises a slot configured to facilitate connection of thestepping member to the lower mount, the slot positioned such that it issubstantially parallel to the lateral axis of the vehicle.
 13. Thevehicle of claim 9, wherein the upper mount comprises one or more holesfor attaching the upper mount to the frame of the vehicle, and whereinthe stepping member is configured to be positioned laterally outboard ofthe one or more holes when in the extended position.
 14. The vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein a shape of the stepping member, viewed from above, isnon-symmetrical.
 15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein an outboard edgeof the stepping member is rounded.
 16. The vehicle of claim 9, whereinthe first and second arms cooperate to form a mechanical stop thatresists further extension beyond the extended position.
 17. The vehicleof claim 9, further comprising a rear bumper and a tailgate, wherein thestepping member is positioned such that at least a portion of thestepping member extends laterally beyond an outboard edge of thetailgate and longitudinally rearward of the rear bumper in the extendedposition.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the stepping member ispositioned such that at least a portion of the stepping member ispositioned beneath the tailgate in the extended position.
 19. Thevehicle of claim 9, further comprising a rear bumper, wherein thestepping member is positioned such that at least a portion of thestepping member is positioned beneath the rear bumper in the retractedposition, and at least a portion of the stepping member extendslaterally beyond an outboard edge of the rear bumper in the extendedposition.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the stepping member ispositioned such that the entire stepping member is laterally inboard ofthe outboard edge of the rear bumper in the retracted position.